Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

Despite recent improvements in the bilateral relations between India and China, the relationship remains characterised by significant fluctuations, oscillating between periods of cooperation and tension. These variations can be attributed to the shifting power dynamics and conflicting perceptions of threat that exist between the two nations. The emergence of both states as major regional actors has introduced new avenues for communication and dialogue, facilitating a transition from a bilateral framework to a broader regional engagement in Sino-Indian relations. This paper critically examines the India-China relationship through three distinct lenses: its historical foundations, its contemporary dynamics, and its future prospects. The findings indicate a prevailing geopolitical discord at the regional level, underscored by pervasive perceptions within India of China's hostility and its failure to adhere to its professed norms. This situation stands in stark contrast to the convergence of certain global norms. The paper traces the evolution of Sino-Indian relations, assessing how these developments impact US policy towards Asia and the increasingly complex strategic landscape of the region.